Upper Part of a False Door of Sethew

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

False doors in the tomb led to the afterlife. They were a suitable place for offerings. Sethew, a very high palace official, here sits before an offering table stacked with loaves of bread in the shape of the hieroglyph for the word “field,” the source of food for offerings. The surrounding inscription promises him very large quantities of food, beverages, clothing, cosmetics, and ritual oils needed in the afterlife.

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CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Stela inscribed for a man names Sethau. The owner is represented seated before a table with offerings and inscriptions promising offerings.
Condition: Broken in two pieces; the upper right hand corner has been restored via epoxy. Some staining around the join has occurred. Upper left hand edge much chipped and parts of hieroglyphs are missing. Lower right hand corner (flaring molding) broken off. Chips in molding under seated figure. Wig retains black paint. Green collar evident. Surface is chipped and green paint also evident along left side of relief (edge).
Face badly chipped.

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